Insecticidal formulations with improved long-term effect on surfaces

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions for the control of pests, in particular insecticidal suspension concentrates and spray solutions made from them, to processes for their preparation, and to the use of such formulations for the sustained control of animal pests (arthropods) on a variety of surfaces. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of certain polymer dispersions in pesticides, in particular to their use for extending the long-term activity of these compositions when they are applied to surfaces. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compositions according to the invention for controlling parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in animals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a §371 National Stage Application ofPCT/EP2009/003546 filed May 19, 2009, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/172,265 filed Apr. 24, 2009; which claimspriority to European Application No. 08158297.5, filed Jun. 16, 2008;which claims priority to European Application No. 08156623.4, filed May21, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compositions for the control of pests,in particular insecticidal suspension concentrates and spray solutionsmade from them, to a process for their preparation, and to the use ofsuch formulations for the sustained control of animal pests (arthropods)on a variety of surfaces. The present invention furthermore relates tothe use of certain polymer dispersions in pesticides, in particular totheir use for extending the long-term activity of these compositionswhen they are applied to surfaces. The present invention furthermorerelates to the use of the compositions according to the invention forcontrolling parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in animals.

2. Description of Related Art

The control of arthropods inside and outside buildings and houses isnecessary for a variety of reasons. In countries in which diseases aretransmitted by arthropods such as insects or arachnids to animals andhumans, for example malaria, there is a great need for protecting theinhabitants in an effective and long-term manner. Moreover, reasons ofhygiene and structural engineering require that animal pests beprevented from entering into buildings, spreading and dwelling inbuildings and infesting wood or other materials. This is why amultiplicity of control products and methods has already been developed.The most frequently used control method is the application ofinsecticidally active substances in aqueous spray or atomizingsolutions. Independently of the active substance used, the activity ofthe spray coating will also greatly depend on the physicochemicalproperties of the sprayed surface. The duration of activity of the spraycoating is adversely affected and reduced to a high degree especially onporous and in particular alkaline porous surfaces, such as concrete,render, ashlar/brick, timber (treated and untreated), ceramic, straw orthatch, chalky, limy, gypsiferous, cement-containing and loamy surfaces.In the control of, for example, malaria mosquitoes within buildings,this results in short life-time effects of not more than 6 months.

When controlling pests outside the house, it is the house walls, thesoil, the plants and turf areas which are treated. Here, it is not onlythe surface properties (porosity, pH), but additionally the effects oftemperature, UV and rain, which result in the rapid loss of the activityof the active substances employed.

There is a continuous demand for improving the efficacy of the productsunder these conditions. A longer-term protection can reduce the exposureof the user, the inhabitants, the domestic animals and the environmentto a minimum, because active substance needs to be applied lessfrequently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object on which the present invention is based was therefore theprovision of novel, improved insecticidal compositions which offerlong-term protection from insects when they are applied to surfaces. Itis intended that they be particularly suitable for porous and/oralkaline surfaces and that they be resistant to environmental factorssuch as high/low/changing temperatures, UV radiation and rain. Accordingto a further aspect, the object also comprises the provision of improvedpreparations for controlling parasites in animals.

This object is achieved by the compositions according to the invention.Examples of compositions according to the invention are aqueoussuspension concentrates, or spray mixtures prepared from them, whichgenerally have a series of advantageous properties. Thus, thecompositions according to the invention are solvent-free. Moreover, theyare simple to handle and to produce. Upon dilution to the useconcentration, they are readily redispersible in water, and, in thespray mixture, only very little sedimentation of the spray mixture takesplace. Spray mixtures which can be employed in accordance with theinvention can be prepared by diluting a concentrate in water or bymixing various pre-existing solutions directly before spraying (tank-mixapplication). Compositions according to the invention may also beready-to-use (RTU) formulations.

The compositions according to the invention contain

-   -   at least one insecticide,    -   a nonionic and/or a ionic dispersant,    -   an aqueous polymer dispersion,        where the polymer dispersion is prepared by polymerization in        the presence of a hydrocolloid as the main chain.

The present invention also relates to compositions containing

-   -   at least one insecticide,    -   a nonionic and/or ionic dispersant,    -   an aqueous polymer dispersion,        where the aqueous polymer dispersion is a cationic polymer        dispersion, which contains an emulsifier, which has, as the        structural component, at least one (meth)acrylic ester and/or        (meth)acrylamide, which contains a tertiary amino group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, it has been found that the compositions according to theinvention, after application to a surface, show an improved biologicallong-term activity in comparison with the prior art. This applies inparticular to the treatment of porous and in particular alkaline poroussurfaces, such as concrete, render, ashlar/brick, timber (treated anduntreated), ceramic, straw or thatch, chalky, limy, gypsiferous,cement-containing and loamy surfaces. Here, upon application tononporous surfaces, the activity remains unaffected on the whole. Thisis surprising, because a polymer-containing formulation which issuitable for porous surfaces, when applied to nonporous surfaces,usually results in an in-situ encapsulation of the active substance,which drastically reduces the biological activity.

Furthermore, it has surprisingly been found that the durability of thespray coatings obtained by using the aqueous suspension concentratesaccording to the invention is markedly better than that of previouslyknown coatings, even under the effect of high/low/changing temperatures,rain and UV radiation.

It has furthermore been found, surprisingly, that the compositionsaccording to the invention have proved advantageous on use. Thus, theylead more rarely than prior-art formulations to the clogging of nozzlesin the apparatuses used for spraying. Due to the solubility in water,the apparatuses used for applying the compositions according to theinvention can be cleaned with particular ease, even after productresidues have been left to dry.

The compositions according to the invention preferably contain

-   -   at least one insecticide selected from among pyrethroids,        pyrazoles, neonicotinoids, diamides (anthranilamides,        benzenedicarboxamides), carbamates, METI (mitochondrial energy        transfer inhibitors (respiratory chain complex I-III), botanical        insecticides and inorganic insecticides.

The compositions according to the invention particularly preferablycontain

-   -   at least one insecticide selected from beta-cyfluthrin,        cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, deltamethrin,        bifenthrin, flumethrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin,        gamma-cyhalothrin, metofluthrin, etofenprox, transfluthrin,        pyrethrum, indoxacarb, carbaryl, fipronil, metaflumizone,        azadirachtin, flubendiamide, chloranthraniliprole, boric acid,        borax, imidacloprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran and acetamiprid,        fenpyroximate and tolfenpyrad, spinosad.

Besides the abovementioned insecticides, compositions according to theinvention may contain further insecticidal active substances, forexample selected from

alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, allyxycarb, aminocarb, bendiocarb,benfuracarb, bufencarb, butacarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim,carbofuran, carbosulfan, cloethocarb, dimetilan, ethiofencarb,fenobucarb, fenothiocarb, formetanate, furathiocarb, isoprocarb,metam-sodium, methiocarb, methomyl, metolcarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb,promecarb, propoxur, thiodicarb, thiofanox, trimethacarb, XMC,xylylcarb, triazamate, acephate, azamethiphos, azinphos (-methyl,-ethyl), bromophos-ethyl, bromfenvinfos (-methyl), butathiofos,cadusafos, carbophenothion, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenvinphos,chlormephos, chlorpyrifos (-methyl/-ethyl), coumaphos, cyanofenphos,cyanophos, chlorfenvinphos, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulphon,dialifos, diazinon, dichlofenthion, dichlorvos/DDVP, dicrotophos,dimethoate, dimethylvinphos, dioxabenzofos, disulfoton, EPN, ethion,ethoprophos, etrimfos, famphur, fenamiphos, fenitrothion, fensulfothion,fenthion, flupyrazofos, fonofos, formothion, fosmethilan, fosthiazate,heptenophos, iodofenphos, iprobenfos, isazofos, isofenphos, isopropylo-salicylate, isoxathion, malathion, mecarbam, methacrifos,methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, monocrotophos, naled, omethoate,oxydemeton-methyl, parathion (-methyl/-ethyl), phenthoate, phorate,phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon, phosphocarb, phoxim, pirimiphos(-methyl/-ethyl), profenofos, propaphos, propetamphos, prothiofos,prothoate, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion, pyridathion, quinalphos,sebufos, sulfotep, sulprofos, tebupirimfos, temephos, terbufos,tetrachlorvinphos, thiometon, triazophos, triclorfon, vamidothion, DDT,nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, nicotine, bensultap,cartap, spinosad, camphechlor, chlordane, endosulfan, gamma-NCH, HCH,heptachlor, lindane, methoxychlor, acetoprole, ethiprole, pyrafluprole,pyriprole, vaniliprole, avermectin, emamectin, emamectin-benzoate,ivermectin, milbemycin, diofenolan, epofenonane, fenoxycarb, hydroprene,kinoprene, methoprene, pyriproxifen, triprene, chromafenozide,halofenozide, methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide, bistrifluoron,chlofluazuron, diflubenzuron, fluazuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron,hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, penfluoron,teflubenzuron, triflumuron, buprofezin, cyromazine, diafenthiuron,azocyclotin, cyhexatin, fenbutatin-oxide, chlorfenapyr, binapacyrl,dinobuton, dinocap, DNOC, fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, pyrimidifen,pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad, hydramethylnon, dicofol, rotenone,acequinocyl, fluacrypyrim, Bacillus thuringiensis strains,spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat,3-(2,5-dimethyl-phenyl)-8-methoxy-2-oxo-1-azaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-4-ylethyl carbonate (also known as: carbonic acid,3-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-8-methoxy-2-oxo-1-azaspiro[4.5]dec-3-en-4-ylethyl ester, CAS reg. no.: 382608-10-8), flonicamid, amitraz,propargite, thiocyclam hydrogen oxalate, thiosultap-sodium,azadirachtin, Bacillus spec., Beauveria spec., codlemone, Metarrhiziumspec., Paecilomyces spec., thuringiensin, Verticillium spec., aluminiumphosphid, methylbromide, sulfurylfluorid, cryolite, flonicamid,pymetrozine, clofentezine, etoxazole, hexythiazox, amidoflumet,benclothiaz, benzoximate, bifenazate, bromopropylate, buprofezin,chinomethionat, chlordimeform, chlorobenzilate, chloropicrin,clothiazoben, cycloprene, cyflumetofen, dicyclanil, fenoxacrim,fentrifanil, flubenzimine, flufenerim, flutenzin, gossyplure,hydramethylnone, japonilure, metoxadiazone, petroleum, piperonylbutoxide, potassium oleate, pyridalyl, sulfluramid, tetradifon,tetrasul, triarathene and verbutin.

Preference is given to compositions according to the invention with morethan one insecticidal active substance

-   -   beta-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid.

The compositions according to the invention contain an aqueous anionic,cationic or amphoteric polymer dispersion.

Suitable polymer dispersions are preferably finely particulate polymerdispersions which, at a concentration of 0.025% by weight based on thesolids content in demineralized water, has an absorbance, measured in a1 cm cell at 535 nm, of less than 2.0, preferably less than 1.0 andespecially preferably less than 0.1.

Preferred polymer dispersions are those which, after drying, have aglass transition temperature of from 0° C. to 120° C., preferably from25° C. to 90° C. and especially preferably from 40° C. to 80° C.

The glass transition temperature of the polymers was determined asfollows. Polymer dispersion which had been left to dry in a DSC pan(drying for 24 hours at room temperature and 0% relative humidity) wasdetermined using the Perkin-Elmer DSC-7 differential scanningcalorimeter, equipped with intracooler, over three heating/coolingcycles (−100° C. to +150° C., heating rate 20 K/min, cooling rate 320K/min, nitrogen flushing with a gas flow rate of 30 ml/min). The glasstransition temperature was evaluated at half the level of the glasstransition.

The minimum film-formation temperature (MFT) was determined using theThermostair® temperature gradient testing apparatus (CoesfeldMesstechnik GmbH) as specified in DIN ISO 2115.

To determine the stability to electrolytes of the polymer dispersions,the absorption measurement was carried out as above in parallel afterdilution in water and in a CaCl₂ dispersion (50 mM). The measurement wascarried out 24 hours after preparing the dilution. The relativedifference of the two absorption values (water to CaCl₂ solution) is ameasure for the stability to electrolytes. Polymer dispersions with goodstability to electrolytes have a relative absorption difference of lessthan 20%, preferably less than 5% and especially preferably less than3%.

Preferred polymer dispersions are those which are obtainable bypolymerization of a monomer mixture containing one or more compoundsselected from styrene, substituted styrene, acrylonitrile,methacrylonitrile, acrylic ester and (meth)acrylamide.

Examples of acrylic esters which can be employed are methyl acrylate,methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propylacrylate, propyl acrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate,iso-butyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, iso-butylmethacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate, hexyl acrylate, hexylmethacrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate and stearylmethacrylate. Mixtures of isomeric butyl acrylates are preferred.

Particularly preferred are polymer dispersions which are obtainable bypolymerization of a monomer mixture containing an optionally substitutedstyrene and a C₁-C₄-alkyl(meth)acrylic ester.

Substituted styrenes which are preferably employed are α-methylstyrene,vinyltoluene or mixtures of these.

Preferred, cationic, aqueous polymer dispersions are obtainable forexample by polymerization of a monomer mixture consisting of

-   a) 20-60% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene,-   b) 40-80% by weight of at least one C₁-C₁₈-(meth)acrylic ester and-   c) 0-20% by weight of at least one nonionic ethylenically    unsaturated monomer other than a) and b),    with the total of a)+b)+c) being 100% by weight,    in the presence of an aqueous polymer dispersion obtainable by a    solution polymerization, carried out in a saturated C₁-C₆-carboxylic    acid, of a monomer mixture consisting of-   d) 15-35% by weight of at least one (meth)acrylic ester and/or    (meth)acrylamide which contains a tertiary amino group,-   e) 65-85% by weight of at least one optionally substituted styrene    and-   f) 0-20% by weight of a nonionic or cationic ethylenically    unsaturated monomer other than d) and e),    with the total of d)+e)+0 being 100% by weight.

The cationic polymer dispersion is prepared by emulsion polymerizationof a monomer mixture a) to c) in the presence of an aqueous polymerdispersion which acts as emulsifier. The emulsifier, in turn, isprepared by solution polymerization of the monomer mixture d) to f)which is carried out in a saturated C₁-C₆ carboxylic acid and which, ifappropriate, is treated with water after the intermediate isolationand/or work-up.

To prepare the emulsifier, it is preferred to employ, as monomers ofgroup d), (meth)acrylic esters or (meth)acrylamides of the formula (I)

in whichR¹ represents H or methyl,R² represents a linear C₁-C₄-alkylene radical,R³ and R⁴ are identical or different and represent C₁-C₄-alkyl andX represents O or NH.

The monomers of group d) which are employed in particular are compoundswhich correspond to the formula (I), where R³ and R⁴ are identical andrepresent methyl or ethyl. Monomers of group d) which are especiallypreferably preferred are compounds of the formula (I) where X representsNH and R³ and R⁴ are identical and represent methyl or ethyl. Monomersof group d) which are very especially preferably employed are thosewhich correspond to the formula (I) where R¹ represents H or methyl, R²represents n-propyl, R³ and R⁴ are identical and represent methyl and Xrepresents NH.

To prepare the emulsifier, at least one styrene which can optionally besubstituted is employed as monomer of group e). From the series of thesubstituted styrenes, it is preferred to employ α-methylstyrene orvinyltoluene. Unsubstituted styrene is especially preferably employed.

To prepare the emulsifier, the monomers of group f) which are employedare nonionic or cationic, ethylenically unsaturated monomers which aredifferent from d) and e). It is preferred to employ nitriles such as,for example, acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile, amides such as, forexample, acrylamide, methacrylamide or N-methylolacrylamide, vinylcompounds such as, for example, vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate,acrylic acid or methacrylic acid esters of alcohols having 1-18 C atomssuch as, for example, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl acrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-,iso- and tert-butyl acrylate, n-, iso- and tert-butyl methacrylate,hexyl acrylate, hexyl methacrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, stearylacrylate and stearyl methacrylate or esters of acrylic acid ormethacrylic acid which have been prepared by reaction with at least oneethylene oxide unit, such as, for example hydroxyethyl methacrylate ordiethylene glycol monomethacrylate. It is especially preferred toemploy, as cationic monomers of group f), vinylpyridine or thequaternized ammonium salts derived from formula (I), which can beobtained for example by reacting compounds of the formula (I) withcustomary quaternization reagents such as, for example, methyl chloride,benzyl chloride, dimethyl sulphate or epichlorohydrin, such as, forexample, 2-(acryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride,2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammoniumchloride,3-(acrylamido)propyltrimethylammonium chloride or3-(methylacrylamido)propyltrimethylammonium chloride.

The parts by weight of the monomers mentioned under d) to f) refer tothe total amount of the monomers employed for the preparation of theemulsifier, the total of d)+e)+f) amounting to 100% by weight. It ispreferred to employ 20 to 30% by weight of d), 70 to 80% by weight of e)and 0 to 10% by weight off).

The solution polymerization which is carried out for preparing theemulsifier is carried out as a free-radical polymerization in asaturated C₁-C₆-carboxylic acid as the solvent. In this context, it ispossible to employ not only saturated C₁-C₆-monocarboxylic acids, butalso saturated C₁-C₆-dicarboxylic acids; it is preferred to employsaturated C₁-C₆-monocarboxylic acids. The saturated C₁-C₆-carboxylicacids which are employed optionally have attached to them furthersubstituents such as, for example, hydroxyl groups. The solutionpolymerization is preferably carried out in formic acid, acetic acid,propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovalericacid, caproic acid, hydroxypropionic acid or hydroxybutyric acid.Mixtures of a variety of saturated C₁-C₆-carboxylic acids can also beemployed. It is preferred to carry out the solution polymerization informic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid or hydroxypropionic acid,especially preferably in acetic acid. In this context, the saturatedC₁-C₆-carboxylic acid employed preferably contains no more than 20% byweight of water, especially preferably no more than 10% by weight ofwater, very especially preferably no more than 1% by weight of water,based on the total amount of solvent. It is very especially preferred tocarry out the solution polymerization in at least 99% strength aceticacid without the admixture of other carboxylic acids. The amount ofsolvent is chosen such that the concentration of the resultingemulsifier solution is 20 to 70% by weight, calculated from the amountof monomers employed.

The solution polymerization is preferably carried out in the presence ofa polymerization regulator. Suitable polymerization regulators are,mainly, sulphur compounds such as, for example, thioglycolic acid ormercaptans such as, for example, ethylmercaptan, n-butylmercaptan,tert-butylmercaptan, n-dodecylmercaptan or tert-dodecylmercaptan. It ispreferred to employ mercaptans, especially preferablyC₈-C₁₄-alkylmercaptans.

The solution polymerization is initiated by a free-radical initiator.Free-radical initiators for the solution polymerization which arepreferably employed are peroxo or azo compounds such as, for example,hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxodisulphate, potassium peroxodisulphateand ammonium peroxodisulphate, di-tert-butyl peroxide, dibenzoylperoxide, azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile),2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) or2,2′-azobis(2-amidino-propane)dihydrochloride. It is preferred to employazo compounds, especially preferably nitriles such as, for exampleazobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile) or2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile).

When carrying out the solution polymerization, the amount offree-radical initiator and polymerization regulator is chosen such thatan emulsifier with a weight-average molar weight of from 5000 to 100 000g/mol is obtained. The determination of the molecular weightdistribution and of the weight-average molar weight can be carried outby methods known to the skilled worker such as, for example, gelpermeation chromatography, light scattering or ultracentrifugation.

After the solution polymerization has ended, the emulsifier obtained iseither isolated by intermediate isolation or directly treated withwater. It is preferred to treat the emulsifier obtained directly withwater and to prepare, by stirring, a homogeneous liquid phase in whichthe emulsifier is present in partially dissolved and partially dispersedform. The concentration of the emulsifier in the liquid phase after theaddition of water is preferably 2 to 20% by weight, especiallypreferably 5 to 15% by weight. This liquid phase can be employeddirectly for carrying out the emulsion polymerization for thepreparation of the cationic finely-divided aqueous polymer dispersion.

The cationic aqueous polymer dispersion is prepared by emulsionpolymerization of a monomer mixture consisting of a) to c), where theaqueous polymer dispersion prepared in the first step acts as theemulsifier.

To prepare the cationic aqueous polymer dispersion, the monomers ofgroup a) which are employed are styrene and/or substituted styrenes suchas, for example, α-methylstyrene or vinyltoluene. It is especiallypreferred to employ unsubstituted styrene.

To prepare the cationic aqueous polymer dispersion, the monomers ofgroup b) which are employed are at least one C₁-C₁₈-(meth)acrylic acidester. It is preferred to employ methacrylate, methyl methacrylate,ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl acrylate, propylmethacrylate, n-, iso- and tert-butyl acrylate, n-, iso- and tert-butylmethacrylate, hexyl acrylate, hexyl methacrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate,stearyl acrylate and stearyl methacrylate. It is especially preferred toemploy n-butyl acrylate or binary mixtures which contain between 10 and90% by weight of n-butyl acrylate. It is very especially preferred toemploy mixtures of n-butyl acrylate and tert-butyl acrylate.

To prepare the cationic aqueous polymer dispersion, the monomers ofgroup c) which are employed are at least one nonionic, ethylenicallyunsaturated monomer other than a) and b). It is preferred to employnitriles such as, for example, acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile,amides such as, for example, acrylamide, methacrylamide orN-methylolacrylamide, vinyl compounds such as, for example, vinylacetate or vinyl propionate, dienes such as, for example, butadiene orisoprene, and esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and at leastone ethylene oxide unit such as, for example, hydroxyethyl methacrylateor diethylene glycol monomethacrylate.

The concentration of the cationic aqueous polymer dispersion ispreferably from 10 to 40% by weight, especially preferably from 15 to35% by weight. The viscosity of a 20% dispersion is, as a rule, 3 to 30mPas, measured at a temperature of 23° C. The mean particle size of a20% dispersion is preferably <100 nm, it is especially preferably from 5to 50 nm. The mean particle size can be determined by methods known tothe skilled worker such as, for example, laser correlation spectroscopy,ultracentrifugation or turbidimetry.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is the use ofaqueous polymer dispersions obtainable by polymerization of a monomermixture in the presence of a hydrocolloid as the main chain.

Hydrocolloids are macromolecular, hydrophilic substances which aresoluble or dispersible in water and swellable, giving rise to viscoussolutions, gels or stabilized systems, such as, for example, agar,carrageenan, xanthan, gellan, galactomannans, gum arabic, tragacanth,karaya, curdlan, beta-glucan, alginates, mannans, chitosan, celluloses,proteins, gelatin, pectin, starch, and their modified and/or degraded(for example hydrolyzed and/or oxidized) forms, and syntheticwater-soluble polymers. The preferred hydrocolloid is degraded starch.

Such grafted aqueous polymer dispersions can be obtained for example byradical-initiated emulsion copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturatedmonomers in the presence of starch, characterized in that theethylenically unsaturated monomers employed are

-   (a) 30 to 60% by weight of at least one optionally substituted    styrene,-   (b) 60 to 30% by weight of at least one C₁-C₄-alkyl(meth)acrylate,-   (c) 0 to 10% by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated    copolymerizable monomers,    the starch (d) employed is 10 to 40% by weight of degraded starch    with a molar weight M_(n)=500 to 10 000, the total of    (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100%,    and the free-radical-initiator employed for the radical-initiated    emulsion polymerization is a graft-active, water-soluble redox    system.

Suitable monomers a) to c) are the compounds already disclosed for thecationic polymer dispersion.

The grafted polymer dispersions have a particle size below 100 nm,preferably of 50 to 90 nm.

The present invention also relates to the use of the aqueous polymerdispersions according to the invention in pesticides. In this context,they are used as described in the present application and assubstantiated by examples.

The compositions according to the invention contain nonionic and/orionic dispersants.

Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants are polyethyleneoxide/polypropylene oxide block copolymers, polyethylene glycol ethersof linear alcohols, reaction products of fatty acids with ethylene oxideand/or propylene oxide, furthermore polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinylpyrrolidone, mixed polymers of polyvinyl alcohol andpolyvinylpyrrolidone, and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid,(meth)acrylic esters, furthermore alkyl ethoxylates and alkylarylethoxylates which may optionally be phosphated and optionally beneutralized with bases, examples which may be mentioned being sorbitolethoxylates.

Ionic dispersants which are preferably employed are anionic dispersants,for example modified sodium lignosulphonates, Kraft sodiumlignosulphonates, naphthalene-formaldehyde condensates, polyasparticacid, polyacrylates, polyethylene sulphonates, modified starch, gelatin,gelatin derivatives or anionic surfactants (such as, for example,aromatic or aliphatic sulphates and sulphonates, or sulphated orsulphonated aromatic or aliphatic ethoxylates).

In the case of finely distributed active substance particles, oractive-substance-containing carrier particles, it is particularlypreferred to use anionic and/or nonionic dispersants.

Besides the abovementioned components, the compositions according to theinvention optionally contain

-   -   a thickener (optionally including thickening activator),    -   a preservative,    -   an antifoam,    -   one or more acids or bases in such an amount as to adjust the pH        of the mixture in a targeted manner, or to activate thickener,        and    -   further components for optimizing the use properties of the        formulation.

Suitable thickeners are all the substances which act as thickeners andwhich can conventionally be employed for this purpose in agrochemicalcompositions. Preferred substances are inorganic particles such ascarbonates, silicates and oxides, and also organic substances such asurea/formaldehyde condensates. Examples which may be mentioned arekaolin, rutile, silicon dioxide, what is known as highly dispersesilica, silica gels, and also natural and synthetic silicates,furthermore talc. Thickeners which can furthermore be employed aresynthetic thickeners such as polyacrylate thickeners (for exampleCarbopol® and Pemulen® thickeners from Lubrizol, Cleveland, USA),biological thickeners (for example Kelzan® S, xanthan gum, or furtherhydrocolloids from CP Kelco, Atlanta, USA) and inorganic thickeners (forexample layer silicates such as kaolin, montmorillonite and laoponite).

Preservatives which are suitable are all substances which can beemployed for this purpose in agrochemical compositions of this type.Examples which may be mentioned are Preventol® (Lanxess AG) and Proxel®(Arch Chemival, Inc.).

Antifoams which are suitable are all substances which can be employedfor this purpose in agrochemical compositions. Silicone oils andmagnesium stearate are preferred.

The amount of active substance in the compositions according to theinvention can be varied within a wide range. In the case of concentratedformulations, for example aqueous suspension concentrates, it isgenerally between 0.01 and 40% by weight, preferably between 0.1 and 20%by weight, preferably between 1 and 20% by weight and especiallypreferably between 1 and 10% by weight.

The amount of polymer can also be varied within a wide range. Inconcentrated formulations, it is generally between 1 and 50% by weight,preferably between 2 and 40% by weight and especially preferably between6 and 20% by weight. In this context, the amounts specified indicate thecontent based on the solids content. Frequently, it is in the form of anaqueous dispersion that the polymers are synthesized, or offered forsale, and employed for preparing the compositions according to theinvention.

The amount of active substance in ready-to-use compositions according tothe invention can be varied within a wide range. In the case ofready-to-use formulations, it is generally between 0.001 and 0.5% byweight, preferably between 0.01 and 0.1% by weight.

The amount of polymer in ready-to-use compositions according to theinvention can also be varied within a wide range. In ready-to-useformulations, it is generally between 0.002 and 1% by weight, preferablybetween 0.004 and 0.8% by weight and especially preferably between 0.01and 0.4% by weight. In this context, the amounts specified indicate thecontent based on the solids content. Frequently, it is in the form of anaqueous dispersion that the polymers are offered for sale, and employedfor preparing the compositions according to the invention.

The suspension concentrates according to the invention are prepared insuch a way that the components are mixed with one another in the ratiosdesired in each case. The sequence in which the components are mixedwith one another is of no importance; however, it is usual to add thethickener last of all. The solid components are expediently employed ina finely-ground state. However, it is also possible to subject thesuspension obtained after mixing the components first to coarse millingand then to fine milling, so that the main particle size is, forexample, below 5 μm.

When carrying out the process according to the invention, thetemperatures can be varied within a certain range. Suitable temperaturesare between 10° C. and 60° C., preferably between 15° C. and 40° C.Customary mixing and grinding equipment which is employed for thepreparation of agrochemical formulations is suitable for carrying outthe process according to the invention.

It is also possible to use active substance particles, oractive-substance-containing particles and/or granules, which have beenobtained for example via spray drying, spray solidification orfluidized-bed processes (for example as described in EP 1 324 661).These are usually coarsely particulate, i.e. for example with a meanparticle size d50 greater than 5 μm (determined after dispersion in thewater phase by means of laser diffraction).

The formulations according to the invention can be used successfully fordestroying harmful arthropods or nuisance arthropods, in particulararachnids and insects.

The arachnids include mites (for example Sarcoptes scabiei,Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermanyssusgallinae, Acarus siro) and ticks (for example Ixodes ricinus, Ixodesscapularis, Argas reflexus, Ornithodorus moubata, Rhipicephalus(Boophilus) microplus, Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus).

The sucking insects include essentially the mosquitoes (for exampleAedes aegypti, Aedes vexans, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tarsalis,Anopheles albimanus, Anopheles stephensi, Mansonia titillans), the mothgnats (for example Phlebotomus papatasii), gnats (for example Culicoidesfurens), buffalo gnats (for example Simulium damnosum), stinging flies(for example Stomoxys calcitrans), tsetse flies (for example Glossinamorsitans morsitans), horse flies (for example Tabanus nigrovittatus,Haematopota pluvialis, Chrysops caecutiens), true flies (for exampleMusca domestica, Musca autumnalis, Musca vetustissima, Fanniacanicularis), flesh flies (for example Sarcophaga carnaria),myiasis-causing flies (for example Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomyiachloropyga, Hypoderma bovis, Hypoderma lineatum, Dermatobia hominis,Oestrus ovis, Gasterophilus intestinalis, Cochliomyia hominivorax), bugs(for example Cimex lectularius, Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma infestans),lice (for example Pediculus humanis, Haematopinus suis, Damalina ovis),fleas (for example Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla cheopis, Ctenocephalidescanis, Ctenocephalides felis) and sand fleas (Tunga penetrans).

The biting insects include essentially cockroaches (for exampleBlattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis, Supellalongipalpa), beetles (for example Sitiophilus granarius, Tenebriomolitor, Dermestes lardarius, Stegobium paniceum, Anobium punctatum,Hylotrupes bajulus), termites (for example Reticulitermes lucifugus),ants (for example Lasius niger, Monomorium pharaonis), wasps (forexample Vespula germanica) and larvae of moths (for example Ephestiaelutella, Ephestia cautella, Plodia interpunctella, Hofmannophilapseudospretella, Tineola bisselliella, Tinea pellionella, Trichophagatapetzella).

The materials according to the invention are preferably employed againstinsects, mainly from the orders Diptera and Dictyoptera.

Unless the compositions according to the invention are present inready-to-use form (for example as aqueous suspension concentrate), theyare first diluted in water for their intended use. In this context, thecompositions are diluted to such an extent that the active substancecontent, with the intended application rate, ensures sufficientinsecticidal activity. Here, the dilution gives compositions whichcorrespond to the above-specified ready-to-use compositions.

The diluted spray solution can be sprayed in any customary manner, forexample by hand-operated or electrical sprayers.

In this context, the active substance is generally applied at anapplication rate of from 1 to 1000 mg/m², preferably at an applicationrate of from 1 to 500 mg/m², especially preferably at an applicationrate of from 5 to 250 mg/m² and very especially preferably at aconcentration of from 10 to 250 mg/m².

The compositions according to the invention are preferably applied atsuch a dilution rate and application rate to a surface that the polymeris applied at a deposition rate (based on solid) of from 1.0 mg/m² to2000 mg/m², preferably from 5.0 mg/m² to 500 mg/m², especiallypreferably from 5 mg/m² to 200 mg/m² and especially preferably from 10mg/m² to 200 mg/m²

The compositions according to the invention can be applied to anysurface inside buildings or in the open, for example wallpaper,concrete, render, ashlar, timber (treated and untreated), ceramic(glazed and unglazed), straw or thatch, brick (untreated, limewashed,painted), clay minerals (for example terracotta), chalky, limy,gypsiferous, cement-containing and loamy surfaces.

The preparations according to the invention can also be employed in theanimal health sector, i.e. in the field of veterinary medicine, mainlyfor the control of parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in animals.Ectoparasites are typically and preferably arthropods, in particularinsects such as flies (stinging and licking), parasitic fly larvae,lice, chewing lice, bird lice, fleas and the like; or acarids such asticks, for example hard ticks or soft ticks, or mites such as scabmites, harvest mites, bird mites and the like.

These parasites include:

From the order Anoplurida, for example Haematopinus spp., Linognathusspp., Pediculus spp., Phtirus spp., Solenopotes spp.; from the orderMallophagida and the suborders Amblycerina and Ischnocerina, for exampleTrimenopon spp., Menopon spp., Trinoton spp., Bovicola spp.,Werneckiella spp., Lepikentron spp., Damalina spp., Trichodectes spp.,Felicola spp.; from the order Diptera and the suborders Nematocerina andBrachycerina, for example Aedes spp., Anopheles spp., Culex spp.,Simulium spp., Eusimulium spp., Phlebotomus spp., Lutzomyia spp.,Culicoides spp., Chrysops spp., Odagmia spp., Wilhelmia spp., Hybomitraspp., Atylotus spp., Tabanus spp., Haematopota spp., Philipomyia spp.,Braula spp., Musca spp., Hydrotaea spp., Stomoxys spp., Haematobia spp.,Morellia spp., Fannia spp., Glossina spp., Calliphora spp., Luciliaspp., Chrysomyia spp., Wohlfahrtia spp., Sarcophaga spp., Oestrus spp.,Hypoderma spp., Gasterophilus spp., Hippobosca spp., Lipoptena spp.,Melophagus spp., Rhinoestrus spp., Tipula spp.; from the orderSiphonapterida for example Pulex spp., Ctenocephalides spp., Tunga spp.,Xenopsylla spp., Ceratophyllus spp.; from the subclass Acari (Acarina)and the orders Meta- and Mesostigmata, for example Argas spp.,Ornithodorus spp., Otobius spp., Ixodes spp., Amblyomma spp.,Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. Dermacentor spp., Haemophysalis spp.,Hyalomma spp., Dermanyssus spp., Rhipicephalus spp. (the original genusof multiple-host ticks), Ornithonyssus spp., Pneumonyssus spp.,Raillietia spp., Sternostoma spp., Varroa spp., Acarapis spp.; from theorder Actinedida (Prostigmata) and Acaridida (Astigmata), for exampleAcarapis spp., Cheyletiella spp., Ornithocheyletia spp., Myobia spp.,Psorergates spp., Demodex spp., Trombicula spp., Listrophorus spp.,Acarus spp., Tyrophagus spp., Caloglyphus spp., Hypodectes spp.,Pterolichus spp., Psoroptes spp., Chorioptes spp., Otodectes spp.,Sarcoptes spp., Notoedres spp., Knemidocoptes spp., Cytodites spp.,Laminosioptes spp.

The preparations according to the invention are preferably employed inveterinary medicine for controlling the following parasites:

Flies (order Diptera), in particular horn flies, (for example Haematobiairritans), stable flies (for example Stomoxys calcitrans), face flies(for example Musca autumnalis), house flies (for example Muscadomestica), blow flies (myiasis-causing flies, family Calliphoridae),mosquitoes (family Culicidae), black flies (family Simuliidae), gnats(Culicoides spp.), sand flies (Phlebotomus spp.).

Lice, in particular biting lice (chewing lice, order Mallophaga),sucking lice (order Anoplura);

Ticks, in particular hard ticks (family Ixodidae), for example Ixodesricinus, I. scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, A. hebraeum, Rhipicephalussanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, R. (B.) decoloratus,Dermacentor variabilis, D. reticulates, Haemophysalis leachi, Hyalommaanatolicum; soft ticks (family Argasidae), for example Argas reflexus,Ornithodorus moubata;

Mites, in particular mesostigmatous mites, for example Dermanyssusgallinae, Ornithonyssus sylviarum; pro- and astigmatous mites, forexample Demodex canis, Neotrombicula autumnalis, Otodectes cynotis,Notoedres cati, Sarcoptis canis, Sarcoptes bovis, Sarcoptes ovis,Sarcoptes suis, Psoroptes ovis.

Of course, the precise spectrum of action of the preparations accordingto the invention will depend on the active substances employed.

In preparations for use in veterinary medicine, the following activesubstances are especially preferred, inter alia:

Neoncotinoids, such as, for example, clothianidin, imidacloprid,thiacloprid; pyrethroids, such as, for example, cyfluthrin,beta-cyfluthrin; organo(thio)phosphates such as, for example, coumaphos;pyrazoles such as, for example, fenpyroximate or tolfenpyrad; pyrrolessuch as, for example, chlorofenapyr, and carbamate insecticides such as,for example, indoxacarb.

The preparations according to the invention are preferably suitable forcontrolling ectoparasitic arthropods which attack animals. The animalsinclude agricultural livestock such as, for example, cattle, sheep,goats, horses, pigs, donkeys, camels, buffalos, rabbits, chickens,turkeys, ducks, geese, farmed fish. The animals furthermore includedomestic animals—also referred to as pets—such as, for example, dogs,cats, cage birds, aquarium fish, and what are known as experimentalanimals such as, for example, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice.Preferred domestic animals are cats or dogs.

Furthermore preferred is the use in horses.

Especially preferred is the use in sheep, goats or in particular incattle or pigs.

By controlling these parasites, it is intended to reduce deaths and toincrease the performance (as regards meat, milk, wool, hides, eggs,honey and the like) and the health of the host animal, so that, byemploying the active substances according to the invention, moreeconomical, simpler and better animal keeping is possible.

Thus, for example, it is desirable to prevent or minimize the uptake ofhost blood by the parasites (in as far as this applies to the parasitein question). Moreover, controlling the parasites may contribute topreventing the transmission of infectious pathogens.

The term “control”, in as far as it is used in the present context withreference to the animal health sector, means that the preparations actby reducing the occurrence of the parasite in question in an animalinfested with such a parasite to a harmless level. More precisely,“control” as used in the present context means that the preparationdestroys the parasite in question or inhibits its growth or itsproliferation.

In general, the preparations according to the invention, when employedfor the treatment of animals, can be used directly. They are preferablyused as pharmaceutical preparations which may contain furtherpharmaceutically acceptable excipients and/or adjuvants which are knownin the art.

The use (=administration) of the preparations in the animal healthsector and in animal keeping is carried out in a manner known per se,preferably by external use in the form of, for example, dipping orbathing, spraying, pouring-on and spotting-on, washing and the like. Tothis end, the preparations can be formulated for example as pour-onformulations, spot-on formulations, as a shampoo or spray, such asaerosols or nonpressurized sprays (for example pump sprays and atomizersprays).

When used in the animal health sector, the preparations according to theinvention may contain active substance combinations with suitablesynergists or further active substances such as, for example, acaricidesor insecticides.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES Example 1

In a flask equipped with stirrer, reflux condenser and heating jacket,124.5 g of oxidatively degraded potato starch are dispersed undernitrogen in 985 g of deionized water and dissolved by warming. Insuccession, 42.7 g of a 1% strength iron(II) sulphate solution and 116 gof a 3% strength hydrogen peroxide solution are added, and the mixtureis stirred for 15 min at 86° C. After 15 minutes, the following twometering solutions are metered in simultaneously, but separately withconstant dosing rate within 90 min at 86° C.:

-   1) 321 g of a mixture of styrene, n-butyl acrylate and tert-butyl    acrylate-   2) 93.7 g of a 3% strength hydrogen peroxide solution.

After all of the solutions have been metered in, stirring is continuedfor 15 min at 86° C., and 2 g of t-butyl hydroperoxide are then added tolet the mixture afterreact. After a further 60 min at 86° C., themixture is cooled to room temperature, 10 g of a 10% strength solutionof EDTA in the form of the tetrasodium salt are added, and a pH of 6.5is adjusted with 13 g of a 10% strength sodium hydroxide solution. Themixture is passed through a 100 μm filter cloth, giving a finely divideddispersion with a solids content of 24.0% by weight.

The ratio between styrene, n-butyl acrylate and tert-butyl acrylate canbe varied, depending on the desired polymer properties (glass transitiontemperature, minimum film-forming temperature). The suitable ratio canbe determined experimentally following the above protocol.

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES Example A

A polymer dispersion (hereinbelow referred to as PD-SACP) was preparedin accordance with the above Preparation Example 1. The monomercomposition was adjusted in such a way that the polymer had a glasstransition temperature of 50° C. and a minimum film-forming temperatureof 44° C. The turbidity value of the dispersion, diluted to 0.025% byweight, was E=0.02 (535 nm, 1 cm cell). The dilution medium used wasdemineralized water. However, comparative measurements with a 50 mMsolution of CaCl₂ solution gave identical absorbance values.

Two spray solutions, FL1 and FL2, were prepared as follows:

TABLE 1 Composition spray solutions FL1 FL2 % by weight % by weightCrackdown ® SC 10  7.14 7.14 (Bayer CropScience AG) PD-SACP — 0.60 Water92.86 92.26

These solutions were sprayed onto a concrete surface at an applicationrate of 25 mg deltamethrin per m², using a fan nozzle (type SS 8003 E).The application rate for the spray solutions was, therefore, 35 ml/m².To make the concrete surface, the dry mortar Weber.mix 604 (Saint-GobainWeber GmbH) was mixed with water in accordance with the manufacturer'sinstructions, stirred, poured into Petri dishes to harden (diameter 13.5cm, height 2 cm) and subsequently stored for at least 3 weeks.

The treated surfaces were then stored at 35° C. and 80% relativeatmospheric humidity and tested after 2 weeks' storage.

To this end, the mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus), which had beenstunned with carbon dioxide were placed centrally on the treatedsurfaces and covered with an aluminium ring provided with gauze(mosquitoes). The exposure time was 24 hours. During the exposure, thetemperature was 24-26° C., the atmospheric humidity was not controlled.After 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours, the knock-down effect was registered,and, after 24 hours, the mortality. Each test consisted of 3replications, of which the mean was formed. Table 2 shows the results.

TABLE 2 Effect against Culex quinquefasciatus of Crackdown ® SC 010without (FL1) and with PD-SACP (FL2) after 2 weeks' storage Reading FL1FL2 % knock- % knock- (h) down/mortality down/mortality 0.5 0 0 1 0 0 23 0 4 3 0 6 15 25 24 45 95

It is surprising that the active substance dispersion with PD-SACP showsbetter results than the active substance dispersion without polymerdispersion.

Example B

A series of spray solutions FL3 to FL8 based on Responsar® SC 025 (BayerCropScience AG, containing 25 g/l beta-cyfluthrin) were made up asfollows:

TABLE 3 Composition spray solutions FL3 to FL8 FL3 FL4 FL5 FL6 FL7 FL8 %by % by % by % by % by % by weight weight weight weight weight weightResponsar ®  2.86 2.86 2.86 2.86 2.86 2.86 SC 025 PD-SACP — 0.14 0.290.59 0.89 1.19 Water 97.14 97.00 96.85 96.55 96.25 95.95

The biological effect of these formulations was tested on concrete slabsanalogously to Example A. The application rate of beta-cyfluthrin was 25mg per m².

Table 4 shows the results.

TABLE 4 Effect against Culex quinquefasciatus of Responsar ® SC 025without (FL3) and with increasing concentrations of PD-SACP (FL4-FL8)after 2 weeks' storage FL3 FL4 FL5 FL6 FL7 FL8 % knock- % knock- %knock- % knock- % knock- % knock- (h) down/mortality down/mortalitydown/mortality down/mortality down/mortality down/mortality 0.5 2 5 0 02 7 1.0 2 3 0 20 13 22 2.0 3 23 0 83 40 47 4.0 12 63 38 100 95 93 6.0 4293 88 100 98 100 24 75 97 98 100 100 100

It is surprising that the biological effect of beta-cyfluthrin isincreased markedly by addition of PD-SACP.

Example C

A deltamethrin suspension concentrate with and without PD-SACP wasprepared by fine-milling in a bead mill, as follows:

TABLE 5 Composition of the suspension concentrates FL9 and FL10 FL9 FL10% by weight % by weight Deltamethrin 3.00 3.00 Soprophor FLK (Rhodia)0.18 0.18 Emulgator PS 29 (Tanatex Chemicals) 0.18 0.18 Citric acid 0.020.02 Kelzan (CP Kelco) 0.06 0.06 PD-SACP — 25.00 Water 96.57  71.57

Both formulations were diluted in water (to 0.07% by weightdeltamethrin) and sprayed onto concrete slabs (Weber.mix 604)analogously to Example A (application rate 25 mg deltamethrin per m²),and subjected to biotests (after one week's storage at 35° C. and 80%relative atmospheric humidity). Table 6 shows the results.

TABLE 6 Effect against Culex quinquefasciatus of deltamethrin suspensionconcentrate without (FL9) and with PD-SACP (FL10) after 2 weeks'storage. Reading FL9 FL10 % knock- % knock- h down/mortalitydown/mortality 0.5 0 0 1 0 0 2 3 0 4 3 15 6 3 32 24 15 100

It can be seen that the formulation according to the invention showsbetter results than the suspension concentrate without PD-SACP.

Example D

A deltamethrin suspension concentrate with and without PD-SACP wasprepared by fine-milling in a bead mill, as follows:

TABLE 7 Composition suspension concentrate FL11 FL11 % by weightDeltamethrin 3.00 Dispersogen SI (Clariant) 1.80 Rhodopol 23 (Rhodia)0.08 Citric acid 0.02 Agnique SLS 90P (Cognis) 0.01 PD-SACP 25.00 Water95.09

Deltamethrin dispersions (0.07% by weight deltamethrin) in water wereprepared with the formulation FL11 and the commercially availablegranules K-Othrine® WG 250 (Bayer CropScience AG, containing 25% byweight deltamethrin) and sprayed onto different concrete slabs(Weber.mix 601 or 604) analogously to Example A (application rate 25 mgdeltamethrin per m²), and subjected to biotests (after two weeks'storage at 35° C. and 80% relative atmospheric humidity). Table 8 showsthe results.

TABLE 8 Effect against Culex quinquefasciatus of deltamethrin suspensionconcentrate with PD-SACP (FL11) and of K-Othrine ® WG 250 withoutPD-SACP after 2 weeks' storage Substrate Weber. mix 601 Weber. mix 604Reading FL11 K-Othrine ® WG 250 FL11 K-Othrine ® WG 250 % knock- %knock- % knock- % knock- (h) down/mortality down/mortalitydown/mortality down/mortality 0.5 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 7 3 2 3 2 53 10 4 17 892 33 6 53 22 100 57 24 92 95 100 100

It can be seen that the formulation according to the invention showsbetter results than K-Othrine® WG 250, although the last-mentionedproduct is designed specifically for the long-term impregnation ofsurfaces with deltamethrin.

Example E

Aqueous polymer dispersions based on styrene/(meth)acrylate copolymerswere prepared analogously to Preparation Example 1 by radical-initiatedemulsion polymerization, using different monomer compositions. In thismanner, the polymer dispersions PD1 to PD6 with a solids content of 24%by weight and different glass transition temperatures and minimumfilm-forming temperatures were obtained (see Table 9).

The turbidity of the polymer dispersions was characterized by absorptionmeasurement in an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 0.025% byweight (1 cm cell, 535 nm). The dilution medium used was demineralizedwater. However, comparative measurements with a 50 mM CaCl₂ solutiongave identical absorbance values.

TABLE 9 Physical data Glass transition Minimum film-forming Polymertemperature temperature Absorbance dispersion (° C.) (° C.) (—) PD 1 5044 0.019 PD 2 34.5 27 0.014 PD 3 78.5 70 0.019 PD 4 22.5 13 0.015 PD 537 28 0.016 PD 6 52.5 47 0.025

Analogously to formulation FL11 of Example D, suspension concentrateswith deltamethrin and in each case one of the polymer dispersions PD1 toPD6 (as replacement for PD-SACP) were prepared and subjected to biotestson concrete slabs (Weber.mix 604) (storage of the concrete slabs at 35°C. and 80% relative atmospheric humidity for up to 2 weeks; evaluationof the mortality after 24 h). By way of reference, the formulation. FL11of Example D was made up without polymer dispersion by adjusting thewater content and subjected to biotests. Table 10 shows the results.

TABLE 10 Effect against Culex quinquefasciatus of deltamethrinsuspension concentrate with different polymer dispersions after storagefor 1 day, 1 week and 2 weeks Storage 1 day 1 week/35° C. 2 weeks/35° C.% mortality % mortality % mortality (24 h) (24 h) (24 h) PD 1 100 98 67PD 2 100 85 38 PD 3 100 98 67 PD 4 100 80 35 PD 5 100 78 32 PD 6 100 9360 Reference without 100 57 20 polymer dispersion

It is surprising that the biological effect is improved with theformulations according to the invention.

Example F

The commercial product Tempo® Ultra SC (active substancebeta-cyfluthrin) was diluted with water as described in theinstructions. The finished spray solution was treated with PD-SACP up to0.5% by weight. These finished spray solutions were applied to timberplanks at an application rate of 40 ml per m². The planks treated thuswere infested with insects (Acheta), and the mortality was determined.Between the measurements, the treated planks were stored in the openwith exposure to sun and rain.

TABLE 11 Effect against house crickets (Acheta domesticus) of Tempo ®Ultra (Bayer CropScience AG) without and with PD-SACP on spruce timberafter 56 days' storage in the open (average temperature 26° C.,precipitation 300 mm) Tempo ® Ultra Tempo ® Ultra & PD SACP (min) %mortality % mortality 15 0 0 30 0 0 45 0 0 60 5 40 90 20 60 120 25 90180 38 95

The biological effect against crawling insects is improved by theformulation according to the invention, even under the effect of rainand light.

Example G

The commercial product Temprid® (active substance mixture ofbeta-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid) was diluted with water as described inthe instructions. The finished spray solution was treated with PD-SACPup to 0.5% by weight. These finished spray solutions were applied toglazed tiles at an application rate of 40 ml per m². The tiles treatedthus were infested with insects (Blattella), and the mortality wasdetermined. Between the measurements, the treated tiles were stored inthe open with exposure to sun and rain.

TABLE 12 Effect against German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) ofTemprid ® (Bayer CropScience AG) without and with PD-SACP on tiles afterstorage in the open (average duration of sunshine 4.3 h/d, precipitation170 mm) for the stated number of days (d). 1 d 14 d 28 d 56 d 112 dTemprid ® 100 70 0 0 0 Temprid ® & PD SACP 100 70 40 100 90 The datashown are the mortality after 24 h and 30 min exposure of the insects onthe treated surfaces.

The biological activity of active substance mixtures is improved by theformulation according to the invention.

Example H

The effect on Haematobia irritans (horn fly) in cattle of a preparationwith polymer addition in comparison with a preparation without polymeraddition was tested in a field experiment.

For the comparative preparation “A”, the commercial product Poncho 600®(product for seed treatment, SC with 48% clothianidin) was diluted withwater to an active substance content of 6%. This mixture was appliedexternally to the backs of cattle at a dose of 10 mg active substance/kgbody weight (100 ml per animal).

For the preparation “B”, the commercial product Poncho 600® was dilutedwith water to an active substance content of 6%, and 29.5 ml/l S.A.C.P.were then added. This mixture was applied externally to the backs ofcattle at a dose of 10 mg active substance/kg body weight (100 ml peranimal). The cattle were divided into three treatment groups: controlgroup: untreated (10 animals); group A: treated with preparation A (5animals), group B: treated with preparation B (5 animals).

Regimen: on day 0 (10 am to 12 pm), the flies on all animals werecounted, and groups a and B were then treated immediately as stated. Onthe same day (3 pm to 4 pm) and on the following days (see table) theflies were counted again.

During the study, it rained on day 5 (after the flies were counted), ondays 13 to 15, on day 16 (after the flies were counted) and on days 20,21. It emerged that the effect of preparation B is less influenced bythe rain than that of preparation A.

TABLE 13 Experiments on the control of horn flies in cattle Clothianidincattle pour-on - control of horn flies in cattle Average number offlies/animal Day 0 bef. aft. Day Day Day Day Day Day Day Treatment grouptr.* tr.* 2 5 9 13 16 19 24 Untreated control group 389 347 346 394 339301 336 209 43 Group A (clothianidin) 462 6 4 3 27 157 174 164 72 GroupB (clothianidin + 350 2 1 2 2 9 42 28 8 PD SACP) % effect (based on theuntreated control group) Day 0 aft. Day Day Day Day Day Day DayUntreated (control) tr.* 2 5 9 13 16 19 24 Group A (clothianidin)   98%  99%   99% 92% 48% 48% 21%  0% Group B (clothianidin + 99.5% 99.7%99.5% 99% 97% 88% 87% 82% PD SACP) *bef. tr. = before treatment, aft.tr. = after treatment

The invention claimed is:
 1. A suspension concentrate compositioncomprising at least one insecticide, a nonionic and/or ionic dispersant,and a grafted aqueous polymer dispersion, wherein the insecticide isdeltamethrin or beta-cyfluthrin, wherein the polymer dispersion isprepared by radical-initiated emulsion copolymerization in the presenceof a hydrocolloid comprising starch as a grafting base, of a monomermixture comprising a) 30 to 60% by weight, based on the monomer mixtureweight, of at least one styrene or substituted styrene, (b) 60 to 30% byweight, based on the monomer mixture weight, of at least one C1-C4-alkyl(meth)acrylate, and (c) 0 to 10% by weight, based on the monomer mixtureweight, of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers, andwherein the starch (d) employed is 10 to 40% by weight of degradedstarch with a molar weight M_(n)=500 to 10 000, the total of(a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100%, and the radical-initiator employed for theradical-initiated emulsion polymerization is a graft-active,water-soluble redox system, and wherein the polymer dispersion afterdrying has a glass transition temperature of 40° C. to 80° C.
 2. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the polymer dispersion at aconcentration of 0.025% by weight in demineralized water at a wavelengthof 535 nm and a path length of 1 cm has an absorbance of not more than2.0.
 3. A method for controlling pests comprising employing thecomposition according to claim 1 for controlling pests.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 3 comprising treating a surface with a depositionrate of 1.0 mg/m² to 2000 mg/m² polymer based on solids content.
 5. Anaqueous grafted polymer dispersion suitable for use in a pesticidewhich, in demineralized water at a concentration of 0.025% by weightbased on the solids content, has an absorbance, measured in a 1 cm cellat 535 nm, of <2.0 and after drying has a glass transition temperatureof 40° C. to 800° C., wherein the pesticide is deltamethrin orbeta-cyfluthrin, wherein the polymer dispersion is prepared byradical-initiated emulsion copolymerization in the presence of ahydrocolloid comprising starch as a grafting base, of a monomer mixturecomprising a) 30 to 60% by weight, based on the monomer mixture weight,of at least one styrene or substituted styrene, (b) 60 to 30% by weight,based on the monomer mixture weight, of at least one C1-C4-alkyl(meth)acrylate, and (c) 0 to 10% by weight, based on the monomer mixtureweight, of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable monomers, andwherein the starch (d) employed is 10 to 40% by weight of degradedstarch with a molar weight M_(n)=500 to 10 000, the total of(a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100%, and the radical-initiator employed for theradical-initiated emulsion polymerization is a graft-active,water-soluble redox system.
 6. A medicament comprising a compositionaccording to claim 1 suitable for controlling ectoparasites in animals.7. A method of extending the efficacy of a pesticide comprising adding agrafted polymer dispersion to a composition comprising said pesticideprior to application, which polymer dispersion, at a concentration of0.025% by weight in demineralized water at a wavelength of 535 nm and apath length of 1 cm, has an absorbance of less than 2.0, wherein theinsecticide is deltamethrin or beta-cyfluthrin, wherein the polymerdispersion is prepared by radical-initiated emulsion copolymerization inthe presence of a hydrocolloid comprising starch as a grafting base, ofa monomer mixture comprising a) 30 to 60% by weight, based on themonomer mixture weight, of at least one styrene or substituted styrene,(b) 60 to 30% by weight, based on the monomer mixture weight, of atleast one C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylate, and (c) 0 to 10% by weight, basedon the monomer mixture weight, of other ethylenically unsaturatedcopolymerizable monomers, and wherein the starch (d) employed is 10 to40% by weight of degraded starch with a molar weight M_(n)=500 to 10000, the total of (a)+(b)+(c)+(d) being 100%, and the radical-initiatoremployed for the radical-initiated emulsion polymerization is agraft-active, water-soluble redox system.
 8. The composition of claim 1,wherein said at least one insecticide is deltamethrin.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said insecticide is partially embeddedon a surface by a layer of said polymer dispersion formed between saidinsecticide and said surface.
 10. The composition of claim 1, whereinsaid composition demonstrates longer-lasting insecticidal activity onboth porous and non-porous surfaces than an identical compositionwithout said polymer dispersion.
 11. The composition of claim 1, whereinsaid composition demonstrates longer-lasting insecticidal activity on ananimal than an identical composition without said polymer dispersion.12. The method according to claim 3 comprising treating a surface with adeposition rate of 5 mg/m² to 200 mg/m² polymer based on solids content.13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the C1-C4-alkyl (meth)acrylatecomprises n-butyl acrylate and t-butyl acrylate.
 14. The compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein in concentrated formulations, the amountof insecticide is between 0.01 to 40% by weight, and the amount polymerdispersion is between 1 and 50% by weight.
 15. The composition accordingto claim 1, wherein in ready-to-use compositions, the amount ofinsecticide is between 0.001 and 0.5% by weight, and the amount ofpolymer dispersion is between 0.002 and 1% by weight.
 16. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said at least one insecticide isbeta-cyfluthrin.